302 strikes again: Ashes coach McCullum's lucky number delivers

Melbourne was the scene of his only success as England coach during the recent Ashes series and again the city was a happy hunting ground for cricket legend Brendan McCullum during the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

An avid racehorse breeder and owner, McCullum was part of a syndicate that pinhooked a head-turning Stay Inside filly on Tuesday, turning the $100,000 weanling purchase into a $220,000 yearling sale.

Victorian trainer Robbie Griffiths bought the Stay Inside filly and McCullum is set to stay in the ownership.

The pinhook was orchestrated by Rosemont Stud’s Anthony Mithen, who said McCullum was following the action live from India.

“We pinhooked the horse – we bought the Cap Estel x Stay Inside filly at the Inglis Sydney Weanling Sale,” Mithen told Inglis’ Sale Day Live.

“I looked at Brendan and asked what he thought and he asked what lot number she was."

“When I told him she was Lot 302, he said that was his highest ever test score so we had another bid and bought her for $100,000."

“Brendan is in India coaching England so it makes it tricky (to be at Oaklands Junction in person)."

“The first person we jumped back on Facetime to was Brendan, just knowing how passionate he is."

“He kept a little share which is great news so he will race with Robbie Griffiths and all their clients.”